Today's News..

1. South Korea plans to request the North to make it possible for President Roh and his delegation to travel to Pyongyang by land for the inter-Korean summit at the end of the month..

2. The South yesterday proposed to the North that the two sides meet at Gaesung next Monday to discuss preperations for the upcoming summit..

3. The Taliban, holding 21 Korean hostages in Afghanistan, said during the phone interview with Yonhap news, it will not change its demand for the release of the Talian prisoners as a condition to the captives' release..

4. The Bank of Korea yesterday unexpectedly raised the August call rate by 25 basis points to 5% for the two consecutive month in a bid to prevent further growth in the money supply from spurring inflation..
*basis point..이율을 나타낼때의 100분의 1%

5. The prosecution launched an intensive crackdown on the illegal forging of the academic records and certificates as part of efforts to root out fabricated knowledge..



Pakistani president forced to bow out of peace talks..

A four-day peace conference being held in Kabul, called "jirga" is missing one of its co-hosts. Pakistani president Musharaff, who was to co-host the event, cancelled his plans on Wednesday.. He is being replaced by prime minister.. Musharaff spent yesterday in Islamabad with advisors as the security conditions in Pakistan are going downhill and the threat of violence by Islamic extremist is growing.. Although some are suggesting that Musharaff may declare a state of emergency in reponse, it is reprted that many, including the U.S., are advising against such a draconian measure. Jirga is a conference of hundreds of Pakistani and Afghan political and tribal leaders aimed at fighting terrorism and boder violence..



Roh may travel to Pyongyang by land..

As the details for the inter-Korean summit are being ironed out, South Korean officials are considering the mode of transportation President Roh will take to meet his North Korean counterpart.. They will ask the North to permit for Presidnet Roh to travel overland, possibly using Geyongui train line which was tested last May.. If Roh dose travel by rail, he would likely take the Geyongui line to the Gaesung station and transfer to a train for Pyeongyang.. Although possible, an overland tirp would likey involve more preperations, particularly involving security, than a trip by air..


From Morning Special..